On the surface, there is an intention to build a nation based on institutions, transparency and proper governance. However, in reality, Kulluna Irada has become nothing more than a breeding ground for theft, corruption, deception and falsification, all with destructive objectives for the country. The association, which was originally tasked with specific functions under the official notice of approval it received, has instead transformed into a political platform. It funds electoral campaigns, engages in ministerial appointments, forms electoral lists and proposes candidates for the governorship of Lebanon's central bank (BDL), among other violations. It has turned into an association characterized by a lack of transparency and governance, even going so far as to falsify its financial statements and account records.
Kulluna Irada, which promotes "transparency" and "good governance," is the same organization whose Executive Director, Diana Menhem, openly acknowledges that all its funding comes solely from its members. According to the Kulluna Irada website, the total number of donors and funders consists exclusively of 36 Lebanese individuals, whose names have not been disclosed, with the organization only stating that they are members. Kulluna Irada published its expenses on its website under the label "electoral efforts," where the 2022 election financial report discloses that Kulluna Irada spent a total of $2.52 million on what it described as electoral activities over six months, from December 2021 to May 2022. This amount also includes the organization's operational expenses from October 2021 to June 2022, but these figures were not reflected in any of the association’s budgets or financial records. Furthermore, Kulluna Irada submitted its annual documents for 2020, including a financial statement for 2021 showing zero activity — indicating no financial transactions — and failed to present a proposed budget for 2022.
On paper, Kulluna Irada received formal recognition from the Ministry of Interior in 2021. However, in reality, the association began its activities in 2017, as confirmed by the organization itself. Yet, it has not published any financial records or provided financial statements for the years 2017, 2018, 2019 or 2020. As for 2021 and 2022, the association released financial statements showing zero income, zero expenditures and a zero balance in its bank account. In other words, Kulluna Irada did not make any purchases — whether notebooks or pens — during these two years.
In 2023, the association approved a budget with a zero deficit, valued at 1.5 billion Lebanese pounds — approximately 100,000 USD at an exchange rate of 15,000 pounds per dollar, or around 16,800 USD, using an exchange rate of 89,500 pounds per dollar. The financial statement for 2022 also showed a result of (0). Furthermore, the association has not contacted the ministry since 2023 and has not received any updates regarding 2024 and 2025. This brings us back to Article 3 of the official notice of approval issued on October 21, 2021, which mandates that the association must submit to the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities every January a list of its members, along with a copy of its annual budget and previous financial statement. Failure to comply with this requirement exposes the association to the legal provisions outlined in Decree No. 10830, dated October 9, 1962, and its amendments.
In summary, the serious violations committed by Kulluna Irada warrant intervention from the judiciary, the Court of Cassation and the Public Prosecution, as they involve crimes punishable by law.
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